R-TUNE Consortium: Innovative and promising approach toward energy optimization

The R-TUNE (Real-Time Utility Network Energy Efficiency Optimization with RENKEI) consortium sets out to achieve several objectives. Led by Prof. Sharifah Rafidah Wan Alwi from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, the consortium aims to develop an assessment tool to determine the feasibility of RENKEI control and P-Graph for real-time utility network energy efficiency optimization in industrial settings. 

The research started off with the enhancement of the two assessment tools, one expertized by Japanese partners while the other one skilled by ASEAN partners. The synergized effect resulted in powerful tools that could be applied to other countries. The research products, once widely adopted by industry, will be impactful to ensure optimized energy consumption among industry.

The team is now heavily fostering the implementation of the tools to private sectors through an engagement with several energy engineer associations including Malaysian Association Registered Electrical Energy Managers (MAREEM) and Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA). Several training courses and webinars have been and will be conducted. 

R-TUNE is one among the seven winning teams of AUN/SEED-Net’s Research and Education Program for the University Consortium or REd-UC. The program is another funding scheme on offer to member universities in the transitional period. It retains the key attribute of empowering universities not only to form their own partnerships as a university consortium but also to tailor their academic activities. The program is expanding to include the optional involvement of universities from South Asia and Africa. Furthermore, the disciplines are not limited to Engineering or the Sciences, with Social Studies also being encouraged.